Full Breakdown
Controversial Delivery Service Offers Kneeling for Lunar New Year Greetings
2/13/2026, 12:08:40 AM
Innovative Service Launch by UU Paotui
A delivery company based in Henan province, UU Paotui, has introduced a controversial service aimed at facilitating Lunar New Year greetings amid the ongoing challenges of in-person family visits. Launched on February 9, the service offers three distinct packages that include traditional practices such as kneeling and kowtowing, which are integral to Chinese culture, particularly during the Spring Festival.
Service Packages and Pricing
The first package, priced at 39 yuan (approximately US$6), includes the purchase and hanging of couplets and the Fu character, along with basic door cleaning for one hour. The second option, costing 199 yuan (around US$30) for two hours, encompasses gift-buying, delivering short blessings, and collecting laisee (red envelopes) from elders, with couriers transferring the received amounts back to the customer. The most elaborate package, priced at 999 yuan (about US$145), combines the first two services and adds a one-minute auspicious blessing along with a traditional kowtow ceremony for elders. Customers can also watch this ritual live via video streaming. As of the latest update, UU Paotui reported that 175 orders had been placed for these services, which are available nationwide.
Cultural Significance and Controversy
The introduction of these services has sparked debate regarding the commercialization of traditional customs. While some view it as a creative solution to maintain familial connections during a time when travel may be restricted, others criticize it as a commodification of cultural practices. The kneeling and kowtowing rituals are deeply rooted in respect and familial piety, raising questions about the authenticity of such gestures when performed by a courier.
Official Statements & Responses
UU Paotui has not publicly commented on the backlash surrounding the service. However, the company’s initiative reflects a broader trend of adapting traditional customs to modern lifestyles, particularly in the context of changing family dynamics and societal norms in China.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics argue that the service undermines the genuine spirit of the Lunar New Year, suggesting that rituals such as kneeling and kowtowing should be performed within the family context rather than as a commercial transaction. This perspective emphasizes the importance of personal connection and sincerity in cultural practices, which may be lost when outsourced to a delivery service.
What's Next
As the Lunar New Year approaches, it remains to be seen how UU Paotui's service will be received by the public and whether it will lead to further innovations in the delivery sector that blend traditional customs with modern convenience. The company may also face increased scrutiny regarding the implications of commodifying cultural practices.
